Alberta's Kevin Koe defeated Manitoba's Matt Dunstone 9-7 in an extra end during the Page 1-2 playoff at the 2026 Montana’s Brier, securing a spot in Sunday's championship final. The 51-year-old skip, aiming for a record fifth Brier title, remains undefeated after 10 straight wins at the event in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Koe's team will face the winner of the semifinal between Dunstone and defending champion Brad Jacobs.
The match at Mary Brown’s Centre unfolded as a tense battle, with Koe's Alberta squad—featuring third Tyler Tardi, second Aaron Sluchinski, and lead Karrick Martin—overcoming an early steal by Dunstone to score three in the second end and take control. The teams traded singles in several ends, but Dunstone tied the game at 7-7 in the 10th with a near-perfect setup, only for his run-back double to fall short by a centimetre, removing just one stone and forcing extra time.
In the 11th end, Koe executed a precise run-back takeout double on his first shot, positioning two stones for the win. Dunstone's final draw attempt missed the button, handing Alberta the victory without Koe needing his last stone. Shooting percentages favored Manitoba at 91 per cent to Alberta's 82 per cent, but Koe's clutch plays proved decisive.
"It’s going to be fun," Koe said post-game, reflecting on his ninth Brier final appearance. "I’m 51 now, so I’m getting old, officially." He noted the surprise element of his team's success, adding, "I don’t think people gave us much of a chance coming here."
Dunstone, a two-time Brier silver medallist, remained philosophical. "We battled," he said. "Just missed a shot to win by a centimetre. That’s the beauty of being in the one-two game."
Earlier Saturday, Jacobs' Team Canada eliminated hometown hero Brad Gushue 7-5 in the Page 3-4 playoff, marking the end of Gushue's storied career. Jacobs, the reigning Olympic and Brier champions, now face Dunstone in the semifinal—a rematch of last year's final and the Olympic Trials. Koe last won the Brier undefeated in 2019 and expressed uncertainty about future appearances: "It’s the Brier, who knows when it will be my last one. Could be tomorrow."
